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Reloading 300BO with Odd Powders?

Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2022 12:05 am
by VariableRecall
I'm going to get started reloading for 300 BO for a 16in AR Carbine. I'm looking to load 170-200gn projectiles. However, when it comes to powders, I've got a decent amount, but it's all stuff that I don't usually see being compatible with the cartridge.
I have:
IMR 4198
Hodgon CFE 223
Hodgon HP-38 (Also known as Win 231)

Would any of these powders be safe to use with projectiles of this weight? Do you happen to have any loads for these?

I'd assume a rifle powder like IMR 4198 would be slightly more suitable than the rest of the contenders. However, the load data for it is rather sparse, which is probably why I managed to get so much of it for a decent price.

I'm totally up for potentially getting a new powder for this cartridge, but I'd rather make use of the powders I have with this cartridge before I start looking elsewhere.

I'd appreciate any input you may have. I'd call 4 MOA or better a win at the moment as I'm just getting started. I'm just looking for loads that cycle and hit with reasonable accuracy.

Re: Reloading 300BO with Odd Powders?

Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2022 2:59 am
by VariableRecall
I may also add that the mold that I currently have available is a .309 diameter Lee 170gn Flat Point projectiles, originally bought for 30-30 Win. Given its relatively short length, I think it would work great in an AR magazine. Do others have experience with that mold in particular?

Re: Reloading 300BO with Odd Powders?

Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2022 3:24 am
by attila.
There’s no “maybe” or “slightly more suitable” about it, HP-38 is WAY to fast of a powder, and CFE-223 is too slow!

IMR-4198, on the other hand is probably a good powder to try with that range of projectile weights, if you don’t want to get a better suited powder. From my reading, Accurate 1680 and Shooters World Blackout are probably the best, but I haven’t used them with that range of projectile weights. Vihtavuori N120 is probably a solid option too. Alliant Reloader 7 (aka RL7, RX-7, etc.) is similar to IMR-4198 and would also be worth a look in a pinch.

Here’s some quick research:

https://loaddata.com/images/articles/bu ... artnew.jpg

viewtopic.php?f=141&t=108206&p=1002983& ... 8#p1002983

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reload ... ue&type=54

https://www.vihtavuori.com/reloading-da ... rtridge=19

Image

Re: Reloading 300BO with Odd Powders?

Posted: Sat Nov 19, 2022 3:32 am
by VariableRecall
I had actually picked up that exact Hornady manual not to long ago. Seeing that the powder I happened to have a surplus of was quite absent froim that manual dampened my spirits a great deal, but I'm thankful for any data at all. I know that a variety of Hornady projectiles are available in .309 at my local sporting goods stores, so I could definitely try those out too.

I'm just thankful to hear that 4198 will be a powder that works!

I had originally picked up the powder because it seemed to have entries both for the AR in .223 and the more popular rifle calibers as well. It's a shame so many manuals lack the powder altogether, but I'm not regretting the purchase as I've used it in both 30-30 and .223.

Yes, if you were worried earlier, I have a reliable way of metering out the funky powder pasta accurately. The Lee Auto Drum has never let me down.

Re: Reloading 300BO with Odd Powders?

Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2022 10:05 pm
by bangbangping
IMR 4198 is a decent powder for subs when you need to cycle an AR. It is both quieter and cleaner than 1680. Assuming a 200 grain bullet subsonic, I'd probably start around 10.5 grains and work down.

Re: Reloading 300BO with Odd Powders?

Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2022 7:46 pm
by 30plinker
bangbangping wrote: Thu Nov 24, 2022 10:05 pm IMR 4198 is a decent powder for subs when you need to cycle an AR. It is both quieter and cleaner than 1680. Assuming a 200 grain bullet subsonic, I'd probably start around 10.5 grains and work down.

https://shootersreference.com/reloading ... -blackout/

Re: Reloading 300BO with Odd Powders?

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2022 2:32 pm
by popper
cfe 223 will work but port pressure and fps will be low. 4198 is much better. I use 170gr cast in BO,1700 fps is about max.

Re: Reloading 300BO with Odd Powders?

Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2022 9:53 am
by excess650
If I were to suggest a single powder for subs and supers, it would be IMR 4227. 13gr under 140gr cast will cycle my 16" w/carbine gas, but better accuracy is 14gr to compressed loads. Full throttle with 170gr is excellent. 10gr under 205gr cast cycles my 10.5" pistol.

I've shot H110 under 160-170gr cast, and it can be very accurate. I've run it at 15+ gr, so full throttle.

AA2200 (surplus data 2200) can make accurate loads with 170gr bullets but is about 200fps slower than H110 or IMR 4227.